I’ve always loved September. It just seems so full of…possibility. The weather (at least, up here) is perfect for outdoor adventures. The leaves are turning into a beautiful mosaic of green, gold and orange. And the kids are gearing up for their next adventure – back to school!

Although I’ve been out of school for more years than I’d like to count, I still feel that same anticipation, that urge to try something new. And I couldn’t think of a better place to start than this blog. Luckily, the Blaze authors agreed with me….

Each month, the Blaze authors and I will start up a discussion about one element in the craft of writing. If you’re a romance novelist in the making, this is a great opportunity to learn a few things you might not know. And if you’re happy just reading these wonderful books, well, hopefully, you’ll gain some new insight. It’s always cool to get insider information….

I’ve decided to start with the element I consider the most important–VOICE. Author voice is the reason readers make it a point to get their hands on everything they can by an author they love. Sure, they’re looking for a good story. But more importantly, they’re looking for the way the author tells that story. It comes through in language choice, in dialogue…through the main character’s perspective.

As an editor, voice is the first thing I look for when I’m considering a submission. I’m looking for writing that grabs my attention, that immediately pulls me into the story. This is especially important in the Blaze series. After all, we want our readers to immediately jump into the heroine’s shoes, to join in on the sexual adventure with her, and to experience every sensual thrill along the way. And ultimately, we want our readers to fall as hard for the hero as our heroines do. So, how does an author pull this off? Through fantastic character development…and a voice that encourages you, the reader, to come along for the ride.

I’m going to leave this for now. I’ve asked the Blaze authors to jump in with their views over the next few days, so check often.

In the meantime, let me show you the fantastic books available this month…

First up is Lori Wilde’s first Blaze Encounters–SWEET SURRENDER. In these stories, a group of friends make a bet—a chastity bet! A summer without sex? Luckily, Blaze readers know that a plan like that doesn’t have a hope in, well, you know…

Then Wendy Etherington takes us back to Palmer’s Island, South Carolina, in HER PRIVATE TREASURE. The heroine, an FBI agent, gets more than she bargained for when she starts investigating sexy Carr Hamilton.

Karen Foley launches her new It Takes a Hero miniseries this month with HOT-BLOODED. This book is linked to PACKING HEAT, Karen’s story in the BORN ON THE 4TH OF JULY anthology last July, and features another hot military man. However, in this new miniseries, the true heroes aren’t only the guys…

Then Tawny Weber brings you the Forbidden Fantasies book this month. Her heroine’s fantasy? To run off to Mexico and indulge in an anonymous fling with a hot boy toy. RIDING THE WAVES is fun, wickedly sensual and very, very evocative. Back in February, when I was working on this book, I came very close to booking my own plane ticket!

Next up is Patricia Potter’s Blaze debut with THE LAWMAN, our latest Blaze Historical, set in 1876 Colorado. What’s a girl to do when a U.S Marshal comes looking for her adoptive father? Shoot him, of course! Let’s face it, it’s definitely one way to keep a good looking man in bed….

Sarah Mayberry finishes up the month with HOT ISLAND NIGHTS, a steamy ‘opposites-attract ‘tale set in Australia. And nobody knows just how hot it can get Down Under better than Aussie native Sarah…

So now, you’ve got two things to keep you busy – an incredible month of books…and a challenge. How does an author’s voice influence the books you read? Is voice something you consciously look for? How would you describe the voices of your favorite writers? Inquiring minds want to know…

Good luck. And be sure to let me know what you think of the new approach we’re taking.

Brenda Chin
Senior Editor
Harlequin Blaze

Well, it’s that time of year again – Blaze’s birthday bash. We’re officially nine years old! (And we’re looking pretty good, if I do say so myself). And to get everybody in the partying mood, let me show you what we’ve got in store for you this month…

Cara Summers gets August off to a strong start with her combined Forbidden Fantasies/Encounters story, TWICE THE TEMPTATION. These two tales link to Cara’s previous books, LED INTO TEMPTATION (May) and TAKEN BEYOND TEMPTATION (June). Though the stories are a little shorter than Cara’s previous two books, they’re just as sexy. So come on, double your reading pleasure…

Next up is CLAIMED, the final book (at least, for this year) in Vicki Lewis Thompson’s Sons of Chance miniseries. This is the story we’ve all been waiting for– where tortured cowboy Jack Chance finally ends up with the woman who’s going to turn his life around. Romantic Times magazine called this book ‘one of the hottest western romances of the year’. And it is!

Rhonda Nelson continues her Men out of Uniform miniseries this month with THE RENEGADE. This one has it all – a hot romance, a slight mystery…and a great secondary character named ‘Dick’. This showcases Rhonda’s work at its most outrageous best!

Jill Shalvis gives us another American Hero in THE HEAT IS ON. Cop Jacob Madden thinks he’s seen it all. But what’s he to do when he falls hard for a free-spirited chef…and then discovers she’s got a trail of dead bodies behind her? Action-packed and hot, hot, hot!

Lisa Renee Jones is up next with HOT TARGET. And you can’t get any hotter a target than Lisa’s hero, Luke Winter. That’s why he’s got a bodyguard…who can’t keep her hands off him!

And finally, Joanne Rock finishes up our birthday month with a 2-in-1 treat. Not only does her story, DOUBLE PLAY, deliver an incredible baseball manager hero…but it’s also a Wrong Bed book! Now that’s worth getting excited about!

So that’s the month’s line-up. Pretty nice, isn’t it?

Now it wouldn’t be a birthday party without loot bags…so I’m offering a complete set of August books to 5 (FIVE!!!!!) lucky readers. All you need to do is add the phrase “Happy Birthday to my favorite series” to the comment field to enter. (Again, you’ll notice that I’ll take a compliment any way I can get it. )

Enjoy! And watch out for a special bonus, starting next month, just in time for that old ‘back to school’ feeling.

Brenda Chin
Senior Editor
Blaze

Happy July, everyone!

Summer’s finally in full swing up here. Gardens are blooming, the beaches are packed…and Blaze is loaded with super sexy summer reads! You’re definitely going to need the air-conditioning this month. Because July is Blaze bestseller month!!!!

Look what we’ve got in store for you lucky readers…

First up is our Blazing summer read, Born on the 4th of July by USA Today bestseller Jill Shalvis, Rhonda Nelson and Karen Foley. It features super hot guys in uniform. Do you really need any more convincing?

New York Times bestselling author Vicki Lewis Thompson is up next with Ambushed!, the second book in her Sons of Chance miniseries. Little brother Gabe is about to meet one filly he can’t tame…but he’ll sure enjoy trying! That only leaves Jack – the last Chance. Don’t miss his fantastic story next month.

USA Today bestselling author Kimberly Raye continues her Love at First Bite miniseries this month with The Braddock Boys: Brent. A wonderfully romantic story with the kind of hero only Kim can write—a cowboy vampire!

Bestselling author Hope Tarr will delight readers this month with The Tutor, another exceptional Blaze Historical. It features a world-weary hero and the innocent miss who sends him into a sensual tailspin. For those of you who love historical romance, this is a must read.

USA Today bestselling author Nancy Warren delivers the Forbidden Fantasies title this month with My Fake Fiancée. There’s nothing like a make-believe engagement to give a girl fantasies of indulging in bedded bliss.

And finally, USA Today bestseller Donna Kauffman returns to Blaze with this month’s Wrong Bed book, Simon Says… The lucky heroine in this story never dreams that when she sneaks into the wrong hotel room, she’ll end up having the sexual adventure of a lifetime.

What a great month, eh? Yes, I’m a proud Canadian, and not ashamed to throw an ‘eh’ in now and then. In fact, I’m spending the Canada Day long weekend at the cottage (no computer, no cell phone service—in other words, paradise! ) so I won’t be able to add to the discussion until July 5. But I’ll be back, so be sure to add your comments.

And since it is a time to celebrate – Canada Day for us and The 4th of July for our friends south of the border– I’d like to offer everyone a chance to win ONE OF TWO sets of these great July books. Just add either ‘Happy Canada Day’ or ‘Happy 4th of July’ to the comment field to enter.

Happy hot summer reading,
Brenda Chin
Senior Editor, Harlequin Blaze

Well, summer’s finally here (at least, it will be on the 21st), and it’s time for everyone to stock up on their beach reads. And lucky for all of us, Blaze has 6 fantastic books out again this month.

For those of you planning or attending weddings, you’ll want to pick up Julie Leto’s 3 Seductions and a Wedding, a Blaze Encounters. A couple of newlyweds-to-be who can’t get around to actually tying the knot get some creative help from their friends and family. But the couples arranging the wedding end up finding love (and of course, great sex!) themselves. The perfect book for wedding season. And readers won’t want to miss the prequel, now available on eHarlequin.com.

Next up is the first book in Vicki Lewis Thompson’s Sons of Chance miniseries, Wanted! These books feature cowboys, a Wyoming ranch, a lot of hot sex…and did I mention cowboys! Nobody writes this kind of hero like Vicki. You’re all in for a treat! Watch out for Ambushed! next month and Claimed! in August. You’ll definitely want to take a chance on the Sons of Chance….

And once you’ve had your cowboy fix, be prepared to fall in love with another incredible hero in Rhonda Nelson’s The Ranger, another book in her popular Men Out of Uniform miniseries. These guys are all ex-military and totally hot! This book links to Rhonda’s short story, The Prodigal, in next month’s Born on the 4th of July collection and The Renegade in August.

Kate Hoffmann finishes up her Smooth Operators series this month with The Sexy Devil. The heroine, who came up with the SmoothOperators.com website as some sort of personal therapy, finds herself face to face the one man she’s never gotten over, the one who inspired the whole thing. A great conclusion to a wonderful series.

Cara Summers will delight readers with her second Forbidden Fantasies this month. Taken Beyond Temptation introduces us to a woman who desperately needs a fantasy…but ends up with a little more than she bargained for! This book is linked to last month’s Led into Temptation and August’s Twice the Temptation. And tempted you should be…

And finally, Lori Borrill rounds out the month with Indiscretions. When a wealthy socialite finds herself doing enforced community service as a maid, she never dreams that turning down the covers will become her favorite chore…

It’s a great month, isn’t it? For your chance to win a complete set of the June books, please add “Beaching it with a Blaze” in the comment field. And if you do happen to take a Blaze to the beach, and finish it there, please pass it on. It’s a great way to introduce the uninformed about the wonderful books Harlequin publishes.

Thanks and have a great summer,

Brenda Chin
Senior Editor
Harlequin Blaze

Every now and then I glance back at my Celtic roots and realize, hey, we should be celebrating! And today’s one of those days. May Day, or Beltaine, marks the Celtic first day of summer. And considering how far north I live, I’m all for summer starting as early as possible.

Another great thing about Beltaine? It’s a time when everybody should be thinking about sex! According to Mara Freeman’s Celtic Website (chalicecentre.net)…

“Beltaine was a time of fertility and unbridled merrymaking, when young and old would spend the night making love in the Greenwood.”

So what better way to start off the sexy month of May than by picking up all 6 sizzling Blaze books? Here’s what we’ve got to get you started…

Leslie Kelly and Jennifer LaBrecque start the month off strong with BLAZING BEDTIME STORIES, VOLUME V. Leslie’s average everyday hero in A Prince of a Guy discovers ‘it’s good to be the Prince’—especially when he’s protected by a very sexy bodyguard in this Prince and the Pauper themed story. And Jennifer’s heroine soon discovers which guy fits her just right in Goldie and the Three Brothers. These tales are a delightful way to finish up our Bedtime Stories miniseries.

Next up is New York Times bestselling author Brenda Jackson’s debut book for Blaze, SPONTANEOUS. This book has it all – a wedding (complete with a sizzling wedding night), a set-up, a case to be solved…and a hot, HOT hero! SPONTANEOUS is the first full-length African-American story we’ve done in Blaze…and we couldn’t have chosen a better author to introduce this genre to our readers.

Isabel Sharpe finishes up her Wrong Bed duo with SURPRISE ME! I’ve always heard that sisters tend to share everything. But how many sister do you know who both wind up in the Wrong Bed? It’s good when it works. And in this case, it works out very satisfactorily for both women.

Cara Summers has the Forbidden Fantasy this month…and is it ever forbidden! If you loved The Thorn Birds, LED INTO TEMPTATION is the book for you. You see, the heroine has a little thing for…men of the cloth! Cara does a wonderful job with this story (it’s probably my favorite of hers so far), and it’s followed by two other Forbidden Fantasies – TAKEN BEYOND TEMPTATION in June and TWICE THE TEMPTATION in August. It looks like it’s going to be a good summer to be bad…

Kathleen O’Reilly comes next with LONG SUMMER NIGHTS, another story in her Where You Least Expect It miniseries. The journalist heroine isn’t thrilled when she gets stuck at an isolated cabin in the woods for a week to cover a story. But things start picking up when she discovers she’s got a neighbor, who likes to shower outside…naked! That must be why they call it ‘the great outdoors’.

And finally, Samantha Hunter finishes up this fantastic month with MAKE YOUR MOVE. This delightful ‘friends with benefits’ story is guaranteed to make you look at all your male friends in a very different way…

So that’s the month! If you’d like a chance to win all 6 May books, please add the phrase ‘It’s going to be a sexy summer’ into the comment field. And don’t forget to keep an eye out for those scavenger hunt clues – we’ve got some great prizes lined up.

Enjoy your summer!

Brenda Chin
Senior Editor
Blaze

Can you believe it? The Blaze authors’ blog is one year old today! It seems hard to believe. Then again, I’m still a little surprised when I realize that Blaze itself will be 10 years old next year. It just seems like yesterday that we were all working our behinds off trying to launch a series that would be something radical – something sexy, contemporary, groundbreaking. And what’s really cool is that, at least in my humble opinion, Blaze continues to be just that.

So here’s a look at the sexy, mostly contemporary, groundbreaking books out this month…

First up is Just Fooling Around…, a 4-stories-in-1 Encounters by Julie Kenner and Kathleen O’Reilly. Now, we’ve all heard about April Fool’s Day pranks. But the four siblings in these stories are actually the victims of an April Fool’s Day curse! Of course, once they get lucky, they suddenly become very lucky.

Next up is the second book in Kate Hoffmann’s Smooth Operator’s miniseries, The Drifter. The hero in the story has done it all and seen it all. But it’s not until he’s conquered the highest mountain that he realizes he hasn’t done anything that matters…and he knows the woman he has to find to help him change his life for good.

Isabel Sharpe follows with the first book in a Wrong Bed duo, While She Was Sleeping. The heroine’s sister finds her own story in next month’s Surprise Me! Who knew that falling into the wrong bed could be genetic?

And now for our not so contemporary title – The Captive by Joanne Rock. This book, which received a 4/1/2 Top Pick from Romantic Times magazine, has a Viking hero. Do I really need to say any more????

Jade Lee’s alter ego, Kathy Lyons, brings readers the Forbidden Fantasy title this month, with Under His Spell. A stressed out workaholic meets a hynoptist who makes her feel very, very good. Isn’t that everyone’s fantasy?

And finally, Karen Anders comes up with a riveting conclusion to her Undercover Lovers miniseries with Deliciously Dangerous. It doesn’t get any hotter–or tastier–than this.

Pretty nice line-up, isn’t it? Not bad for an almost decade-old series.

To celebrate the blog’s birthday, I’m offering a full set of April Blaze books to TWO lucky winners. Just put ‘Happy Anniversary to my favorite series!‘ in the comment field for a chance to win. (Yes, I’ll take compliments any way I can get them. )

See you next month.

Brenda Chin
Senior Editor
Harlequin Blaze

Even though the official first day of Spring is 20 days away, I’m ready for it to show up now. Although we’ve had a mild winter compared to some places, Mother Nature wasn’t letting us get by without one final whomping. Last Thursday, Friday and Saturday were absolutely abysmal – a couple of feet of wet snow. (I emphasize ‘wet’ because there’s nothing you can do in it – the X-country ski trails were a nightmare, and if you ventured outside, you came in looking as if you’d just endured a torrential downpour. There was nothing to do but read or clean. I decided to read.

For those of you faced with the same dilemma, I’d like to offer you a glimpse of the wonderful books we have this month at Blaze. No matter how wretched it is outside, you’ll be feeling the heat soon. I promise.

First up is another volume of Blazing Bedtime Stories. Kimberly Raye and Samantha Hunter are the geniuses behind this collection. Kim’s story is based on the myth of Cupid and Psyche (in other words, she’s having sex with somebody she doesn’t know, and can’t see. Now, that’s a fantasy!) And Samantha’s book is a modern day version of Aladdin (doesn’t everybody want a genie who can fulfill sexual fantasies?)

And talking about fantasies, Nancy Warren has the Forbidden Fantasies title this month – Too Hot to Handle. The hero in this book is a real scoundrel…and he’ll definitely make sure this book lands in your keeper pile!

Heather MacAllister offers up another Encounters this month with His Little Black Book. When an oversexed corporate executive mistakenly sends an invitation to the company beach house to everyone in his address book, he’s the only one who doesn’t end up getting lucky! This book is a lot of fun, and reviewers are raving about the ending.

Debbi Rawlins finishes up her Stolen From Time miniseries with Lone Star Lover. When a sexy modern day cop ends up going back to the Old West, all he can think about is going home. Until he meets the woman he was sent back to find…and protect! A great read!

Bonnie Edwards makes her Blaze debut with Possessing Morgan. You’ll never see two more unlikely Blaze characters than these two protagonists – a billionaire playboy and a repo woman! But when Morgan Swann gets the chance to meet her fantasy man, she takes it. Even though it means hitching up his prized Morgan (a car) to her tow truck! This one’s a lot of fun. You never know what’s going to happen next.

And finally, Marie Donovan finishes up the month with Knowing the Score, a book set on the polo fields of the rich and famous. And if you didn’t think polo players were sexy, think again! This guy is HOT!

Remember, if the weather gets you down, just pick up a Blaze book. You’ll be hot soon.

For a chance to win this months books, please add the phrase “I need to warm up with a Blaze” to the comment field. Good luck and happy reading.

Brenda Chin
Senior Editor
Blaze

Happy Valentine’s Day in advance! For those of you who aren’t aware of it, Valentine’s Day is Harlequin’s national holiday. Not only does every series offer readers incredibly romantic books this month, but we also put out the Harlequin Romance Report, which looks at the state of romance in the world today. The report gets thousands of media impressions and is just another way we’re working to put–and keep–Harlequin on the map.

However, loyal Blaze readers don’t need a report to tell them that this February is HOT! Look what those talented Blaze authors have in store for you this month…

First up is our Valentine Collection, MANHUNTING, by NYT bestseller Betina Krahn, Joanne Rock and Lori Borrill. The three heroines in this delightful anthology make a pact that they won’t spend another Valentine’s day alone. And while it’s touch and go for a while, they manage to get their man. A big thanks to Joanne Rock for the idea behind this collection.

Next up is THE CHARMER, the first book in Kate Hoffmann’s new minseries, Smooth Operators. All three guys featured in this trilogy end up labeled serial bachelors on a dating/dishing website, SmoothOperators.com. But even though the general female population thinks these guys are a lost cause, one special woman uncovers the diamond underneath. Personally, I loved this book. The heroine is wonderfully different. Romantic Times Magazine agreed with me, giving THE CHARMER a 4 1/2 Top Pick. Look for THE DRIFTER in April and THE SEXY DEVIL in June.

For those of you who have a naughtier Valentine’s Day in mind, Leslie Kelly offers up a Forbidden Fantasy that will definitely heat up these cold winter nights. In PLAY WITH ME, the hero and heroine have a secret fling, meeting up all over the country to play sexual games. But for both of them, secrecy is a must. And so, you can guess what happens when one of their escapades ends up on YouTube…

Stephanie Bond finishes up her Red Tote Book Club (code for Erotic Book Club) stories with HER SEXY VALENTINE. Carol Snow, the cynical member of the group finally finds her true love…but not until she relives Valentine’s Day over and over again until she gets it right. This book is linked to October’s Book 500, SEDUCTION BY THE BOOK, as well as a special ebook we put out last month, entitled TOO HOT TO PRINT, because, well, it was.

Candace Havens makes her Blaze debut with TAKE ME IF YOU DARE. I had trouble figuring out what I loved best about this book – the strong, yet insecure heroine, the bad boy hero…or the incredible setting. After reading this book, you’ll be wishing you’d booked that tropical getaway…complete with hunky pool boy.

And then Wendy Etherington finishes up the month with TEMPT ME AGAIN, a light-hearted story about a cop and the woman who drives him crazy, and makes him love every minute of it.

Wonderful month, isn’t it? But wait, there’s more! In order to tempt readers who don’t make it to the Series Romance shelves, we’ve put together THE BLAZE COLLECTION, a trade-sized anthology featuring the February books of Stephanie Bond, Leslie Kelly and Kate Hoffmann. You’ll find THE BLAZE COLLECTION in the warehouse type stores – Costco and Sam’s Club–places where Harlequin books are not usually sold.

So, in honor of Harlequin’s national holiday (honestly – we even get chocolate treats left at our desks!), I’m offering two prizes this month – one set of the February books, and THE BLAZE COLLECTION. All you have to do is leave the comment, ‘I want those Blaze books to Be Mine’.

I hope Cupid’s good to you,

Brenda Chin
Senior Editor, Harlequin Blaze

Well, it’s that time of year again—time to look back with fondness at the old year (and 72 fantastic Blaze books!) and turn our attention to 2010 (and 72 more fantastic Blaze books!)

It’s going to be quite a year. The 2010 Blaze schedule is all about men! Men in uniform and in cowboy boots. Men living on the edge in Alaska, and men saving the world as American Heroes. We’ve got heartbreakers, forbidden fantasy fulfillers and even a few who fall into the wrong bed now and then. How’s that for something to look forward to?

But we all need a few goals, right? So you’ll find that most of the January books deal with fresh starts, new beginnings…and New Year’s resolutions gone deliciously wrong.

Here’s a peek at what’s in store for lucky Blaze readers this month:

Fans of Blazing Bedtime Stories will be happy to find three more volumes in 2010. The first, Blazing Bedtime Stories, Volume III, is available this month and features sensual tales by Tori Carrington and Tawny Weber. Tori’s story is inspired by the legend of Helen of Troy (wife-stealing anyone?), while Tawny’s is based on The Frog Prince (who’s really more of a horny toad *g*). Both novellas are an absolute delight.

Then Julie Kenner brings us Moonstruck, a tale that is linked to her December title, Starstruck. What happens when a girl kisses the wrong guy on New Years’ Eve? All sorts of naughty things…

Kathleen O’Reilly continues the New Year’s theme in Midnight Resolutions, another book in her Where You Least Expect It miniseries. Kathleen’s heroines never see change coming…but they’re always glad it did.

Then Jo Leigh gives us Sexy Ms. Takes, a 3-story Blaze Encounters, featuring three New York women who find the lives they dream of, if not the lives they expected, on December 31st.
Are you seeing a theme here?

The last two books this month focus on a different New Year’s theme – goal-setting. And you can’t find anything more direct than what the characters in Sarah Mayberry’s Her Final Fling and Lori Wilde’s His Final Seduction get themselves into. Then again, isn’t that what Blaze is all about?

So, there you have it. The beginning of a brand new year of incredible books from Harlequin Blaze. If you’d like to be entered in a draw to win a complete set of the January titles, please add “I’m Blazing in the New Year” to the comment field.

On a personal note, I’d like to wish all the Blaze authors, and all of our readers, a happy and healthy New Year. You all make my job a pleasure.

See you next year!
Brenda Chin, Senior Editor, Harlequin Blaze

Between all the shopping and wrapping, the eating and the drinking, I’d like to remind everyone to take a little time for themselves this month to relax and recharge. And if you do that by cuddling up with a Blaze book, so much the better.

Here’s what we have to tempt you this month…

Vicki Lewis Thompson is back! In our Christmas collection, Better Naughty than Nice, Vicki, Jill Shalvis and Rhonda Nelson will delight you with the sexy antics of Santa’s bad boy brother. Damon Claus is determined to mess things up for the Little Old Fat Guy…and he does it by pushing people into bed! These three stories are a blast from beginning to end.

Julie Kenner returns to Blaze this month too, after a long hiatus. Her novel , Starstruck, will remind us to treasure the gifts we already have, gifts we take for granted– like really hot best friends!

What’s better than falling into the Wrong Bed? Falling into one on Christmas Eve—in Texas! Don’t miss experiencing some true Southern Comfort in Debbi Rawlin’s Texas Blaze.

Then Lisa Renee Jones finishes up the popular Dressed to Thrill miniseries with Santa, Baby. You know that old saying, that clothes make the man. I wonder what wearing a skimpy Mrs. Claus outfit makes Lisa’s heroine—besides a lot more satisfied, that is.

Cara Summers has the Uniformly Hot! title this month with Christmas Male. What do you get when you mix a streetwise cop, a hunky member of the military police…and a diamond with the reputation for bringing lovers together? A fantastic story that got a 4 ½ top pick from Romantic Times magazine! Way to go Cara!

And finally, we’ve got a fantastic present for all those readers who loved Hope Tarr’s first Blaze Historical, Bound to Please. The hero in that book had a bad boy twin…and this month, readers will get to read his story. I absolutely loved Twelve Nights. I’m sure you will too.

Not a bad way to finish up the year, is it? And wait there’s more. This month, in honor of the holidays, we’ll be drawing two names – one for these fantastic December books, and one for a really cool Harlequin tote bag, decorated with nostalgic Harlequin covers. So, if you’d to win, all you have to do is add “Pick me. I’ve been naughty. ” to the comment field.

My best wishes for a safe and happy holiday season,
Brenda Chin
Senior Editor, Blaze